Perform regular heating and air conditioning maintenance. Change filters monthly to improve air quality and reduce energy use. Establish a maintenance contract with your vendor for regular tune-ups, which help decrease equipment breakdowns and unnecessary air loss. Learn about operating and maintaining your air conditioner, evaporative cooler, or heat pump.

If you use air conditioning, a ceiling fan will allow you to raise the thermostat setting about 4°F with no reduction in comfort.

Turn off ceiling fans when you leave the room. Remember that fans cool people, not rooms, by creating a wind chill effect.

When you shower or take a bath, use the bathroom fan to remove the heat and humidity from your home. Your laundry room might also benefit from spot ventilation. Make sure bathroom and kitchen fans are vented to the outside (not just to the attic).

Vacuum the registers regularly to remove any dust buildup. A register is a grille that can be opened and closed to direct the airflow. Ensure that furniture and other objects are not blocking the airflow through your registers.

If you upgrade outdated heating and air conditioning equipment to newer, more energy-efficient models you’ll save as much as 30 percent on energy costs in the long term, reduce maintenance, and improve the comfort of your home.